Northwest, Iowa – Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report as released by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Thursday, December 4th.
Spirit Lake Management District
- Contact Person: Jed Siegwarth – 712-330-2542
The extended forecast calls for highs that remain below freezing. Most lakes are completely frozen over, with many starting to have fishable ice. Ice has been building quickly with some areas having 5 inches of ice. Ice thickness close to shore has been poor in some areas due to snow accumulation. Remain cautious and take extra precautions with early season ice. Last updated on 12/04/2025
- Ice Condition: Fishable
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Closed
The Lake is completely frozen over. Most areas close to shore have poor ice due to accumulated snow. Many areas have around 5 inches of ice.
- Ice Condition: Fishable
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Closed
Walleye – Fair
Silver Lake (Dickinson) (Dickinson)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Closed
- Ice Condition: Fishable
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Closed
Spirit Lake completely froze over the first of December. Ice fishing on foot is not recommended in most areas, but cold temperatures have been building ice quickly. Porta-potty units are available at Marble Beach and Mini-Wakan boat ramps. During open water season, crappie fishing was reported as excellent near Templar Park. Fish were holding in 12–13 feet of water.
Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are catching crappie on jigs with minnows or plastics, as well as Berkley PowerBait shiners.
Yellow Perch – Fair
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 34.0
- Ramp Condition: Closed
A few bays have frozen over, but the majority of the lake is still open.
Black Crappie – Fair
KIWA Staff Photo
